Relive the Top 10 Penn State Athletics Moments from 2016-17

Not ready to let go of the epic sports events that happened for Penn State Athletics this past year? We aren’t either. Take a look back at some of the best moments of the 2016-17 season across all Penn State varsity teams. Let’s count ‘em down! We Are…Proud!

10. Women’s volleyball took down Pitt in three sets to advance to the NCAA Regional round. This was a key round of the NCAA tournament as the Lions had advanced 12 years in a row prior to 2016. Unfortunately, the Lady Lions were taken down by No. 1 Nebraska in the next round, but are ready to come back in full force in Fall 2017.

9. Stephen Nedoroscik (Worcester, Mass.) of Men’s Gymnastics took the overall NCAA title for pommel horse in 2017. Nedoroscik was just the 10th Nittany Lion to ever capture the overall title for pommel horse. The last Lion to do so was Luis Vargas in 2005.

8. The men’s track and field team made Penn State history when they were crowned the Big Ten Outdoor champions in May of 2017. Never before had a Penn State men’s track team earned a Big Ten Outdoor title. Let’s see if they can carry the title of champion into 2018!

7. Women’s soccer secured its 18th Big Ten Title in Fall 2016 with a tight 2-0 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. Although the team was not a repeat National Champion this year, you can be sure that the ladies will be back in 2017 with a hunger to reclaim their title as national champions.

6. Quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.) shocked the college football world when he dished out a flea flicker during a tight game against Indiana. The Lions went on to win, but all the focus was on this rare yet effective play. Refresh your memory with this clip.

5. Men’s lacrosse was ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time in program history this year. The team also started off their season undefeated for weeks on end before being dealt its first loss. Multiple team records were broken, and superstar freshman Mac O’Keefe (Syosset, N.Y.) has set up the team for a successful 2018 season.

4. Wrestling clinched its seventh team NCAA National Championship title after going 5-0 in the NCAA Championship final rounds. Standout Zain Retherford (Benton, Pa.) was seeded No. 1 and gracefully took out the No. 3 seed from Mizzou to secure the team title. Retherford was also crowned the individual NCAA Champion for the second time.

3. Men’s hockey made it all the way to the National Championship quarterfinals after defeating Union 10-3 in a historic win for the team. Despite falling to Denver in the quarterfinals, the Lions proved that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in college hockey, and they set up a legacy that will stand for years to come.

2. Penn State Football competed in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 2009, facing USC (who they also faced in 2009). Although the game ended with a heartbreaking rally by USC, the entire Blue and White team showed tremendous maturity, poise, and strength throughout the entirety of the game. Even the harshest of Penn State critics awarded accolades to the Lions for their incredible performance.

1. You knew this one was going to be at the top of the list, didn’t you, Penn State fans? Penn State defeated then-No. 2 Ohio State 24-21 thanks to a blocked kick. Beaver Stadium has never been more electric than in that moment. Penn State Football proved it has returned at full-strength, ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

What sports are you most excited for this coming year? Wishing all Penn State fans a great summer!